This morning, the Environment Agency issued 75 flood warnings across the south west, meaning that flooding is expected, and a further 69 less serious flooding alerts in the area as well as the Midlands, south east and parts of the North.

Authorities warned that strong winds, which are also forecast for the next few days, could increase the risk of surface water flooding as wind-blown leaves and debris could block drains.

With the heavy rain falling on already saturated ground, there is a risk of rivers and groundwater flooding in counties including Somerset, Devon, Dorset, the Home Counties Worcestershire and Warwickshire.

The Met Office issued an amber severe weather warning as three weeks’ worth of rain fell in 24 hours in Dunkeswell and Exeter Airport, both Devon.

A car sits stuck in flood water on a lane in the village of Chilcompton near Wells (Getty Images)

Sandbags have been placed at entrances to homes in an effort to avoid a repeat of the damage caused last month when severe downpours caused havoc for residents across the country.

Teams have been mobilised to check on flood defences, clear river blockages and monitor water levels, and the agency is urging people to keep up to date with the latest warnings online or sign up to its free flood warnings service.

The Met Office issued severe weather alerts for south west England and south east Wales, as well as western Scotland, over the next few days.

Forecasters warned localised flooding and transport disruption, when up to three inches of rain hits.

More than 100 residents were evacuated from their homes and transport links were cut off after persistent heavy rain caused flooding in Scotland yesterday.

Mandy Strachan looks out from a shop in Aberfoyle which was flooded after the River Forth burst its banks (PA)

A Met Office spokesman said: ''There's pretty saturated ground following the rain around today, so there's the possibility of seeing some localised flooding.

“Localised flooding and transport disruption is possible in alert areas as ground remains saturated over following recent rain."

He also said there was a weather warning for Thursday for south western England and south east Wales, with a band of rain sweeping across the worst-hit areas, bringing winds with gusts of up to 50-60mph.

The Environment Agency said: “Heavy and slow-moving rain could lead to flooding in coming days across parts of the Midlands, South, South-West and south Wales.